Sheet Feeding Cassette Handle Locking for Jam-Resistant Pull-Out

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses with retractable sheet feeding cassettes face issues where pulling out the cassette during operation can interrupt the process, leading to potential jams and require a locking mechanism that protrudes, increasing handle size and depth.

Innovation Solution

A locking mechanism that restricts and releases the pulling out of the sheet feeding cassette by turning a handle housed in a recess, using magnetic force to operate, allowing the handle to be turned outside the cassette's surface, thus minimizing the required space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking mechanism is provided to restrict pulling out of the sheet feeding cassette, then the reliability of the image forming operation is improved, but the handle protrudes from the front surface and the size (depth) of the handle increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of image forming operationVSAvoiddepth of handle

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is configured to move in a turning motion (rotational dimension) rather than linear protrusion (depth dimension). The handle turns about a rotation axis and moves between a housing position within the recess and an operating position outside the outer surface, resolving the contradiction by changing the movement dimension from depth to rotational displacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The handle is housed within a recess formed in the outer surface of the outer cover. When not in use, the handle is contained within the recess, creating a compact appearance. The recess acts as a housing that accommodates the handle in its retracted state, allowing the locking mechanism to function without increasing the overall depth of the cassette.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the handle is turned outside from the outer surface to operate the locking mechanism, then the ease of operation is improved, but the handle requires additional space outside the cassette

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of pulling out cassetteVSAvoidspace occupied by handle

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The handle transitions from a static retracted position to a dynamic operating position. The handle is designed to be turned about a rotation axis, moving from the housing position within the recess to the operating position where it protrudes outside the outer surface. This dynamic movement allows the handle to provide sufficient leverage for operation while minimizing its space occupation when not in use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The handle is preliminarily positioned within the recess in a housing posture that minimizes space occupation. Before operation, the handle is contained within the recess boundaries. When operation is needed, the handle is turned to the operating position, allowing users to grip and turn it effectively. This preliminary positioning resolves the space contradiction by preparing the handle in a compact state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The mechanism effectively restricts and releases the cassette pull-out without increasing the handle's depth, ensuring secure operation and preventing jams while maintaining a compact design.

Implementation Method 1

a locking mechanism for restricting pulling out of the sheet feeding cassette using magnetic force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS20260015190A1Image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes a sheet feeding cassette which is housed in an apparatus main body in a retractable manner, and a locking mechanism which restricts and releases a pulling out of the sheet feeding cassette from the apparatus main body. The sheet feeding cassette includes an outer cover, and a handle. The outer cover has a recess on an outer surface. The handle is housed in the recess so as to be turned outside from the outer surface, and turned outside by being gripped when the sheet feeding cassette is pulled out from the apparatus main body. The locking mechanism restricts and releases the pulling out of the sheet feeding cassette from the apparatus main body in conjunction with the turning of the handle.